-James' Letter-

Sorry it took me so long to update this one, I've been busy updating others.

Riza opened an eye and peaked over the edge of the bed, the colonel was sleeping peacefully. She sighed softly and stood up. Her head swam slightly as she walked over to the door and looked over her shoulder at the sleeping Colonel. She put her hand on the door and opened it slowly. She stepped out into the hallway and slowly closed the door. Riza lifted one of the oil lamps and turned it up, walking along the wooden floors of his house. 'Why does the Flame Alchemist live in a WOODEN house?' She asked herself and kept walking towards the other room slowly. Her breathing was heavy now, from trying to be quiet.

She rested her hand on the door handle and let out a shaky breath then opened the door. Her heart thudded against her chest as she stepped into the room. Suddenly her breath caught in her throat as she realize that the floor was burning hot. She swallowed and walked in, her breath rising in a steam in front of her face. Each step she placed carefully on the floor as it creaked beneath her weight. She raised the lamp up, casting an eerie soft glow throughout the room. She let out another breath and walked over to the dresser where she had found the box. She put her hand on the top of the box and set the lamp down on the dresser. She turned it up a little more and gulped, opening the box. She reached in and pulled out a glove, one of Roy's but it was burnt and rather old. She set it gently to the side and lifted something else out, it was a blue ribbon the ends were burnt and charred. She narrowed her eyes curiously and then set it down next to the glove. Beneath these was a folded packet of paper. The packet was tied with a scarlet ribbon and Roy's seal was pressed into the first page. She looked over her shoulder and slowly untied the ribbon.

"Dear Roy," She read, "I have heard of the Brigadier General's commands. I understand brother that you will be sent to kill me…" Riza read out loud and continued to read until the last paragraph, in which she fell to her knees, tears running down her face at the emotional letter that had been written.

… I only hope that if you do you will at least leave my wife and child be, neither of them did anything to you or the military that we represent. I… sit here and write this in total and clear mindedness, I have never felt more at ease. My wife wishes, that if you are ordered to kill us all to at least leave our daughter, take her under your wing, teach her the ropes of the military. Brother, I beg you to adopt her if you must kill us. Tell the General that you killed all of us but take her and hide her, teach her the things she needs to know." Riza heard another voice softly speak with her. "I Love You More Than Father Did, Lieutenant Colonel James Mustang." She finished the letter. 'Damn it Roy. You killed your own brother? What really happened sir?' She asked herself and then hurriedly put the papers back in order and tucked them onto her person, slipping the glove and ribbon into the box and closing it. She stood and hurried out of the room with her lantern and walked back down the hallway. Suddenly Black Hayate started barking and Riza hurried to shush him.

"Shhhhh!" She cuddled the little puppy up against her and petted him. Hayate struggled against her and continued barking until Roy stomped out of his room and eyed the puppy.

"Damn it dog… what is wrong with you?" He growled. Riza slowly snuck into his room and cuddled back under the palate covers, then peeked over the side of the bed, pretending to be sleepy. She quietly slipped the papers into her messenger bag and crawled over the side of the bed.

"What is it Hayate?" Riza asked the dog, kneeling down and Hayate jumped over to her. She hugged him and looked up at Roy who was smiling. "Sir?" She questioned and he offered her his hand and pulled her to her feet. She smiled as he cupped her chin in his hand and brought her lips to his.

"Lieutenant has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?"

'Only you sir.' She thought as he kissed her again, wrapping his muscular arms around her waist.